Bean plants were studied under different levels of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate salinity. Both types of salinity suppressed plant growth similarly on an osmotic basis, but had different effects on leaf thickness, water content, and transpiration rates. Chloride-salinated plants had thicker leaves with higher water content, while sulphate-salinated plants had lower water content. Chloride salinity led to faster osmotic adjustment and higher chloride accumulation. Sulphate salinity caused more pronounced changes in potassium and calcium ion concentrations. Leaf expansion responded quickly to changes in substrate salinity. Overall, total yield was similarly suppressed by constant and changing salinity levels.